Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu (jan 7, 1624 – feb 26, 1642)
Description:
 Louis XIII ruled from 1610 to 1643, but his prime minister, Cardinal Richelieu, held most of the power and brought stability and prosperity to France. Richelieu centralized the government and strengthened absolutism in France by increasing military power, instituting the intendant system and encouraging industry and commerce. This fits with the SP theme because Cardinal Richelieu created a strong, centralized government through his policies and even paved the way for the supreme absolutist leader of France, Louis XIV. 
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